Nano Photocatalyst Research Articles

Phytosynthesis of ZnO nano photocatalysts by Ethiopian prickly pear fruit shell infusions: Sunlight-induced degradation potential and toxicity assessment

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from prickly pear fruit peel infusions (PP-ZnO-NPs) are in crystalline nature, 10–80 nm size range, high purity (Zn-80.37% and O-19.63%), possess relevant functional groups and optical properties. PP-ZnO-NPs mediated photocatalytic mitigation of 10 selected EDCs was higher (81–99%) under solar irradiation with fixed operative conditions. Further, the PP-ZnO-NPs efficiency on diluted (1:250 ratio) tannery wastewater was found to be potential by observed reductions of tested physic-chemical parameters. The toxicity threshold of ‘PP-ZnO-NPs’ was verified on both in vitro phytotoxicity on Vigna radiata (200 mg L−1) and cytotoxicity assay on Human cervix epithelioid carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines (568 µg mL−1). This study offers the ‘PP-ZnO-NPs’ as an environmentally benign and capable catalyst for ECs mitigation in the aquatic setups.

Using NiFe2O4 as a nano photocatalyst for degradation of polyvinyl alcohol in synthetic wastewater

The wastewater containing Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is white and has water-soluble polymer released from textile and chemical industries. In this research, the degradation of synthetic wastewater containing PVA by the UV/NiFe2O4 method was explored in a batch photo reactor. The NiFe2O4 nano photocatalyst was synthesized by the co-precipitation procedure. The characterization of catalyst was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. The stability of nano photocatalyst particles was tested and studied by Zeta potential. The effect of various parameters such as pH, initial concentration of pollutants and the dosage of catalyst on degradation of PVA was inspected. About 94.3% of PVA and 41.3% of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) was removed after 140 min of treatment at optimum conditions (0.3 g/l of catalyst, 25 mg/l of PVA and pH at 6). The reason for the formation of active radicals in photocatalytic processes was the electron-hole mechanism. The kinetic of the PVA degradation was explained based on the Langmuir Hinshelwood model and the apparent rate of the pseudo-first-order reaction (Kapp=2.06×10−2min−1) and the half-life of the reaction (t1/2=33.6min) was achieved.

Application of ZnO-Nd Nano-Photocatalyst for the Reactive Red 198 Dye Decolorization in the Falling-Film Photocatalytic Reactor.

A large amount of Reactive red 198 (RR198) is released yearly into the environment. RR198 is toxic for human and aquatic creatures; therefore, it should be removed from wastewater before releasing into the environment. In this study, the nano ZnO-Nd -photo-catalyst for the first time was synthesized by the combustion method. First, the physical characteristics of the generated nano photocatalyst were evaluated using FESEM, XRD, Bandgap calculation, and FTIR analysis. Then, the ZnO-Nd nano-photocatalyst was suspended into the contaminated water with RR198 dye in a falling-film photocatalytic reactor. The effects of parameters such as the amount of H2O2, catalyst dose, pH, and initial concentration of dye were investigated during the experiments. Finally, the decolorization process with the falling-film photocatalytic reactor was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The physical characteristics showed that the average particle size of the synthesized ZnO-Nd was 40 nm. Doping ZnO with Nd reduced the photocatalyst energy bandgap by 14%. The results indicated that the optimum amount of catalyst dose and pH level was 0.1 g/L and 5, respectively. The simultaneous usage of H2O2 and ZnO-Nd with an H2O2/dye ratio of two increased dye removal performance by 90%. The results demonstrated that the developed equations can be applied to predict the performance of the falling-film photoreactor. This study showed that using the nano ZnO-Nd photocatalyst in a falling-film photocatalytic reactor under optimum operating conditions is an appropriate way to remove RR198 from water.

Tin sulfide nanoparticles as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dyes

Tin sulfide (SnS) nanoparticles were prepared from tin(II) dithiocarbamate single source precursors. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the SnS nanoparticles confirmed orthorhombic herzenbergite phase of tin sulfide. High-resolution transmission electron microscope images show spherically shaped tin sulfide with particles size in the range 1.0–2.8 nm. The bandgap energy obtained from Tauc plots is in the range 2.95–3.32 eV. The as-prepared SnS nanoparticles were used as nano photocatalysts for the degradation of brilliant green (BG), crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB) and methyl red (MR) under visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of BG by the SnS nanoparticles after 180 min irradiation are 76%, 81% and 70% by SnS-1, SnS-2 and SnS-3. Degradation efficiency of 66%, 90% and 75% were obtained for SnS-1, SnS-2 and SnS-3, respectively, against CV dye. While the efficiency of 79%, 97% and 93% were obtained for SnS-1, SnS-2 and SnS-3, respectively, against MB dye. The results showed that the as-prepared SnS nanoparticles are efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of BG, CV, MB and MR dyes. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to investigate the degradation pathway of the organic dyes. The effects of irradiation time, scavengers and photostability on the photocatalysis process were also evaluated.

Cu2O/TiO2 as a sustainable and recyclable photocatalyst for gram-scale synthesis of phenols in water

• Nano photocatalyst. • Gram-scale synthesis. • Wide range of substrates. • Green solvent. • Green oxidant. A green and straightforward protocol was developed for the synthesis of phenols from aryl boronic acid using an inexpensive and available Cu 2 O/TiO 2 photocatalyst under visible light and sunlight. This approach proceeded in mild reaction conditions in water and the presence of air as a green oxidant, resulting in the corresponding phenols in good to excellent yields. Sunlight was also a sustainable source for this photochemical reaction. Heterogeneous nano photocatalyst was successfully recovered in 8 consecutive runs. It is noteworthy that, the photocatalyst exhibited high activity for the large-scale synthesis of phenols.

Oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene and simultaneous adsorption of products on BiOBr-C3N4/MCM-41 visible-light-driven core–shell nano photocatalyst

In this study, different amounts of BiOBr (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 wt%) and 5% wt. of g-C3N4 were loaded on MCM-41 as core for photo oxidation of DBT and simultaneous adsorption of oxidation products. Among studied photocatalysts, the BiOBr-C3N4/MCM-41 photocatalyst with 10% wt. of BiOBr indicated the highest activity so that this sample reduced DBT concentration to the lowest value of C/C0 = 0.08 after 150 min irradiation of visible light. The characterization of the as prepared photocatalysts by XRD, FESEM, TEM, FTIR, BET-BJH, UV–Vis DRS, and PL analyses revealed that this achievement was due to the highest amount of structural defects and the strongest interaction between BiOBr-C3N4 shell and MCM-41 core in this sample. Moreover, this sample indicated the lowest recombination rate of charge carriers, the narrowest band gap, and high porosity that enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency. However, this sample lost 18% of initial activity after four successive cycles of photo oxidation-adsorption that based on FTIR and BET-BJH was because of plugging of pores by DBT sulfones.

Impact of dysprosium doped (Dy) zinc ferrite (ZnFe2o4) nanocrystals in photo- fenton exclusion of recalcitrant organic pollutant

The issue of effluent, especially organic colorants from several manufacturing units overlays an immense delinquent of the current epoch owing to its effect on oncogenic health hazards. Thus, Rare Earth Metal dysprosium (Dy) doped Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe2O4) were as-synthesized by a facile co-precipitation technique as an effectual nano photocatalyst intended to the amputation of these noxious dyes. The structural, functional, optical, magnetic, and degradation properties of this RE (Dy3+) doped ions were investigated using various characterizations, such as crystallite size (D) and several parameters (cation distribution, oxygen positional parameters, and bond length) were determined using XRD (X-ray diffraction) and it was found that as the dy3+ ion concentration increases the speck size decreased and the grain size remained within nano regime, which intern affects the surface area. From BET analysis it was found that on increasing the doping concentration, the surface area increases which pave a substantial role in the photo-Fenton activity. By using FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) various functional parameters (elastic, interionic bonds, ion distribution, etc.) were determined. Raman spectra had no extra peak formation which is seen to have pure phase formation of the as-synthesized samples. HR-TEM (High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis were done to determine the nature of the sample, the as-synthesized magnetic samples exhibit a polycrystalline formation with cubical agglomeration. The magnetic property was very significant for x = 0.10 concentration. As-synthesized (Fe0.9064Zn0.0936) [Fe1.0936Dy0.1Zn0.8064] O4) exhibits a momentous photo – Fenton activity against MB (Methylene blue), its removal efficiency was found to be 97.3% after 45 min. Also, this spinel ferrite acts as a magnetic recyclable catalyst even after 5 cycles with an insignificant lessening of elements and photo-Fenton activity.

Advancement towards Antibiotic Remediation: Heterostructure and Composite materials

AbstractToday's world is on the verge of antibiotic pollution by humans, veterinary therapeutics polluting our water body, and on account of the scarcity in advanced water treatment techniques in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). It is of enormous importance to have an insight into various kinds of antibiotics and their attributes. The primary aspects of antimicrobial resistance caused by antibiotic pollution in the environment have been briefly enlightened. Here the nature and occurrence of antibiotics accumulation in the environment and a world pollution scenario have been illustrated. Adsorption and photocatalysis are the most standard techniques used for remediation. The well‐known nano photocatalyst heterostructure materials Titanium dioxide (TiO2), bismuth (Bi) materials are also utilized as the main frame materials for the composites and heterostructures. Alternatively, the porous carbon‐based materials and metal‐organic framework (MOF) materialsare entitled to their excellent adsorption capability. This review portrays comprehensive insight into the advances and breakthroughs made so far by different heterostructures and nanocomposite materials for antibiotics removal and provides a road map to future researchers towards a more efficient water treatment system.

Novel visible-light-induced BiOCl/g-C3N4 photocatalyst for efficient degradation of metronidazole

A new type of light stabilized nanocatalyst containing different proportions of “flower-like” BiOCl nanosheets and g-C3N4 were synthesized through the traditional hydrothermal method to control the growth process. The superior morphology features of BiOCl/g-C3N4 photocatalysts were explained using SEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, and BET. The prepared BiOCl/g-C3N4 nano photocatalyst was proved by a series of experiments, and the photochemical catalytic performance of BiOCl/g-C3N4 was studied through the degradation reaction of the colorless antibiotic metronidazole. TOC and GC–MS analysis were used to discover the products of metronidazole after photodegradation. Many experiments suggested that BiOCl/g-C3N4 has a very excellent photochemical catalytic performance exposed to visible light irradiation. During the DRS, ESR, and trapping experiment proving, the interaction between BiOCl and g-C3N4 will improve the separation of photo-generated holes and electrons, thus greatly enhancing the photostability and photocatalytic performance of the material.

Enhanced optoelectronic properties of multifunctional MnFe2O4 nanorods decorated Co3O4 nanoheterostructure: Photocatalytic activity and antibacterial behavior

The binary heterojunction MnFe2O4–Co3O4 nano-photocatalyst (NCs) was constructed by sonochemical technique. HRTEM image indicates the attachment of MnFe2O4 nanorods on Co3O4 nanostructures. UV–vis DRS showed a shift in bandgap of MnFe2O4 (1.8 eV) and Co3O4 (2.86 eV) to 2.47 eV for MnFe2O4–Co3O4 that facilitate enhanced visible light harvesting. The efficiency of MB dye degradation by MnFe2O4–Co3O4 (kinetic rate constant 0.0033 min−1) was boosted 3.66 times than MnFe2O4 (0.0009 min−1) and 4.7 times than Co3O4 (0.0007 min−1). The boosted photocatalytic performance of prepared NCs was supported by the high surface area of NCs (66.067 m2/g). The MnFe2O4–Co3O4 poses excellent recycling ability and photo-corrosive resistance and it was verified with recycled XRD and photocatalytic performance. The ·OH and h+ played major role in degradation of MB dye. The MnFe2O4–Co3O4 showed high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Hence, the NCs could serve as an effective candidate for photocatalytic applications including pollutant degradation and bactericidal applications.

The removal of Hexavalent chromium; (Cr (VI)) by ZnO/LECA as a nano photocatalyst using full factorial experimental design

In this research, a synthesized nano photocatalyst was prepared by supporting ZnO nanoparticle on Lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA). The catalyst was synthesized by co-precipitation method. The SEM, FT-IR and XRD tests were used to characterize ZnO/LECA, which was employed for photocatalytic removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution in batch photoreactor. The full factorial experimental design (FFD) was used for the statistical analysis of data. The influence of catalyst amounts, pH, and initial concentration of Cr (VI) was investigated on the reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III). The number of active site was increased with increase in the concentration of catalyst to some extent. Also, the selection of other factors in optimized amount was important. The optimal conditions were obtained at 0.75 g/l of photocatalyst, pH at 5 and 20 mg/l of Cr(VI). The experimental and predicted reduction efficiency by FFD at optimal conditions were 97.6 and 96.18%, respectively. The comparison of experimental and predicted data showed a good agreement between them.

A novel and highly efficient Ag and GO co-synthesized ZnO nano photocatalyst for methylene blue dye degradation under UV irradiation

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an effective and promising treatment technology for the removal of organic dye compounds in textile wastewater. Hybrid nanostructured semiconductor materials have been extensively applied and received greater attention in the last few decades. In this study, nano structured zinc oxide (ZnO) was doped by silver (Ag) and graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles to synthesize Ag/GO/ZnO using the sol–gel technique followed by the heat treatment method. The hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO as observed by SEM was changed to lump/flake shape after doping with Ag and GO onto the ZnO crystal surface. FTIR confirms the stretching vibration of broad O–H groups with adsorbed H2O molecules. The broad absorption edge of Ag/GO/ZnO nanocomposite shifted to the visible-light region with the reduced band gap energy of 3.22 eV as compared to 3.34 for ZnO. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye (15 mgL−1) under 100 W UV irradiation was84.67%, 88.13%, and 97.53%, for ZnO, Ag/ZnO, and Ag/GO/ZnO nanocomposites, respectively, at the same dose of photocatalyst (0.300 g) and pH 11.0for3 h UV irradiation. The best fitted kinetic of photocatalytic studies were showed a pseudo-first-order reaction model and the respective rate constants were found to be 0.0129 min−1, 0.0149 min−1, and 0.5198 min−1, for ZnO, Ag/ZnO, and Ag/GO/ZnO nanocomposites, respectively. The enriched photodegradation activity of Ag/GO/ZnO nanocomposite indicates the potential of the nanocomposite for the treatment of organic pollutants from the textile wastewater.

Preparation of plasmonic CoS/Ag2WO4 nanocomposites: Efficient visible light driven photocatalysts and enhanced anti-microbial activity

Novel CoS/Ag2WO4 photocatalyst have been synthesized successfully by facile chemical precipitation method under normal pressure. The prepared nano photocatalysts were characterized with UV–vis DRS, TEM, XRD, PL, Raman spectroscopy, EDAX, N2 adsorption-desorption, XPS and FT-IR. The present work describes the enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity of CoS/Ag2WO4 nanocomposites (NCs). The K value for MB degradation was 0.089 min−1 by CoS/Ag2WO4 which was 8.9 and 3.1 times greater when compared with 0.01 min−1 by Ag2WO4 and 0.028 min−1 by CoS respectively. The broad-spectrum antibacterial property was exhibited by NCs against gram-ve (E. coli) and gram +ve (B. subtilis) bacteria. The NCs showed enhanced photostability and reusability even after six cycles. The scavenging test confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (OH•) were the major species involved in photocatalytic degradation process under visible light irradiation. The results of the present study can be applied in practical application in the area of photocatalysis and antimicrobial applications.

Novel visible-driven Ag2O/Fe2O3/TiO2 nano sized hetero-structured photocatalyst: Synthesis, characterization and photo-degradation of tetracycline

Novel visible light respond Ag2O/Fe2O3/TiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized via impregnation assisted ultrasonic method. This nanocomposite showed impressive photocatalytic properties that can be used to remove the wide range of organic pollutants in order to wastewater treatment. Prepared nano photocatalyst was characterized using FE-SEM, EDX, XRD, DRS and PL analysis. FE-SEM images showed uniform spherical morphology with average particles size less than 16nm. Crystalline phases of synthesized nanocomposite observed through XRD analysis, including anatase, maghemite and Ag2O without any interfering substances. DRS results indicated that absorption spectra extended to visible-light region and effective separation of charge carriers was confirmed by PL spectra. Photocatalytic activity of prepared samples was investigated by tetracycline removal in contaminated water under visible light. The results showed high photo-degradation efficiency under visible light radiation about 90% in 90min. This result is attributed to synergic effect of Fe2O3 and Ag2O. Fe2O3 leads to narrow the band gap and decrease the charge carriers’ recombination, additionally, presence of Ag2O particles acts as a photosensitive component and formation of Ag-Ag2O structure causes the self-stability of photocatalyst.

0D/1D AgI/MoO3 Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst: Highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst for sulfamethoxazole degradation

Low dimension nano photocatalysts show great potential in the field of treating contaminated water for their large surface area and size effect. In this study, a 0D/1D AgI/MoO3 Z-scheme photocatalyst with striking photocatalytic performance was constructed successfully. The one-dimensional MoO3 nanobelts were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method, and then it was modified by AgI nanoparticles in a handy deposition approach. When choosing sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) as the target contaminant, the rate constant value of the optimal 0D/1D AgI/MoO3 composite could hit up to 0.13 min−1, which is nearly 22.4 times and 32.5 times as that of pure MoO3 (0.0058 min−1) and AgI (0.0040 min−1), respectively. A series of detailed characterizations give evidences that the charge transfer in the composite followed Z scheme mechanism. Therefore, efficient separation/transfer and the remained high redox activity of photogenerated carriers played a vital role in the sharply enhanced photocatalytic properties. The possible degradation pathways of SMZ were proposed based on the intermediates detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Meanwhile, the magnificent cyclic stability makes the material a promising material in the practical application.

Photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutant using nickel and cerium ions substituted Co0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nanoferrites

In the present investigation, toxic environmental pollutant, i.e., Congo red dye photocatalytic degradation was achieved using Co0.6Zn0.4−xNixCeyFe2−xO4 (x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3; y = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) ferrite-based nanomaterials. The nanoferrites were synthesized with the usage of sol–gel auto-combustion fabrication technique. Their microstructural, optical and magnetic, properties were analysed, using various characterization techniques. The observed XRD (X-ray diffraction) diffraction patterns indicate the existence of single-phase spinel cubic structure along with Fd3m space group symmetry and, the crystallite size calculated using Scherrer formula was found in the dimensions of 38–49 nm. The formation of agglomerated, dense, and spherical magnetic nanoparticles with an average grain size of 51 nm and 62 nm for the undoped specimen (x = 0.0, y = 0.0) and doped specimen (x = 0.2, y = 0.10) were observed from the FESEM (Field emitting scanning electron microscopy) micrographs analysis. From the M–H curves data, it was concluded that the maximum value of Ms (70.17 emu/g) and Hc (266.43 Oe) was attained by the Co0.6Zn0.1Ni0.3Ce0.15Fe1.85O4 nanoferrite. The present investigation concentrates on the photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye under the natural solar irradiation in which we improved the photocatalytic efficiency upto 94.6% after 60 min of irradiation with the utilization of substituted Co0.6Zn0.1Ni0.3Ce0.15Fe1.85O4 nano photocatalyst. Thus, synthesized Co–Zn nanoferrites can be utilized for potential applications in wastewater treatment.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Ethylbenzene by Nano Photocatalyst in Aerogel form Based on Titania

In this study, a composite of Cu, N co-doped TiO2@SiO2 aerogel as a photocatalyst with enhanced optical absorption in the visible region as well as high specific surface area was synthesized by the sol-gel method and ambient pressure drying process for degradation of Ethylbenzene. The physicochemical properties of the photocatalyst were examined by X-Ray Powder Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, Photoluminescence, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, Brouner Emmet Teller Isotherm/Barrett Joyner Halenda analysis. The structure of samples consisted of titanium dioxide crystalline phases in the dominant phase of the rutile and the amorphous structure of silica. The appearance of the Ti-O-Si peak confirmed the formation of TiO2@SiO2 composite. Based on the results of the characterization analysis, the type and concentration of dopants can be effective on the crystalline structure, bandgap energy, particle size, specific surface area, and the recombination of charge carriers. The sample contains 3 at. % of copper and nitrogen was able to degrade Ethylbenzene more efficiently in comparison with mono-doped TiO2@SiO2 nanocomposite under visible-light irradiation. The synergistic effects of Cu and N co-dopants were responsible for strong visible light absorption and effective separation of electron/hole.

Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 co-doped with Fe, Co, and S for degradation of Cango red

The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 was enhanced under visible light when it was co-doped with Fe, Co, and S through the sol-gel method. The resultant nano photocatalysts were characterized by XRD, EDX coupled with SEM, FT-IR, UV–Vis, and UV-DRS. The concentration ratio of precursor salts of Fe and S was kept at 1% each and of Co varied between 0.5% −1.5%. The photodegradation of Congo red was carried out and various factors like the concentration of catalyst, initial concentration of dye, pH, and irradiation time were also investigated to optimize the degradation process. Under optimized degradation conditions, 99.3% of Congo red (30 ppm) was degraded at slightly acidic pH, with 0.14 g of photocatalyst within 70 min of irradiation time.

Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of CuO/ZnO/SnO nano photocatalyst: Evaluation of its application towards photocatalysis, photo-voltaic and antibacterial properties

The electrochemical procedure has been employed to synthesize CuO/ZnO/SnO nanoparticles using NaHCO 3 as the conductive salt under ambient conditions. The synthesized nanoparticles showed an average crystallite size of 33.7 nm with an orthorhombic structure. The X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, IR and optical absorption spectroscopy have been employed for size, morphology, chemical composition, and optical properties characterization. The bandgap obtained from Tauc's plot was found to be 2.6 eV. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue dye under sunlight which follows first-order kinetics. The higher efficiency of photodegradation was achieved at a mere low concentration of 0.02 g of the nano photocatalyst. The antibacterial activity was tested on human pathogens Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 121) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 183), Salmonella typhi (MTCC 733) by disc diffusion method.

Nanophotocatalysis for the Removal of Pharmaceutical Residues from Water Bodies: State of Art and Recent Trends

Background: The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in surface and drinking water is ubiquitous and is a major concern of researchers. These compounds cause a destructive impact on aquatic and terrestrial life forms, and the removal of these compounds from the environment is a challenging issue. Existent conventional wastewater treatment processes are generally inefficacious because of their low degradation efficiency and inadequate techniques associated with the disposal of adsorbed pollutants during comparatively effective methods like the adsorption process. Remediation Method: Semiconductor-mediated photocatalysis is an attractive technology for the efficient removal of pharmaceutical compounds. Among various semiconductors, TiO2 and ZnObased photocatalysts gained much interest during the last years because of their efficiency in decomposing and mineralizing the lethal organic pollutants with the utilization of UV-visible light. Incessant efforts are being undertaken for tuning the physicochemical, optical, and electronic properties of these photocatalysts to strengthen their overall photocatalytic performance with good recycling efficiency. Results: This review attempts to showcase the recent progress in the rational design and fabrication of nanosized TiO2 and ZnO photocatalysts for the removal of pollutants derived from the pharmaceutical industry and hospital wastes. Conclusion: Photocatalysis involving TiO2 and ZnO provides a positive impact on pollution management and could be successfully applied to remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater streams. Structure modifications, the introduction of heteroatoms, and the integration of polymers with these nano photocatalysts offer leapfrogging opportunities for broader applications in the field of photocatalysis.